The Blessing of Loneliness
Sometimes God calls us to take steps we’d rather not. Sometime He moves our stiff legs to bend in the exact way He desires, and we would otherwise despise. The bending hurts. The new foot placement is uncomfortable. The straining position between where He wants me to go and where I want to be causes an anxiousness that at moments...
Sermon Prep with Evernote
Recently I started using Evernote – for just about everything. Somehow I was late to get on the “Evernote Train” because I found out other had been using it for sometime, but I just learned of its existence. However, once i read a bit about it I didn't waste a second to signed up for a free account. I also...
The Cross and the Eyes of Love
I once heard a pastor tell this story: There was a priest that lived in the 1700’s. One Sunday morning he got in front of the church and said, “Tonight I am going to preach a sermon without using any words.” The people in the congregation thought, ‘A sermon with no word, those must be the best kind, we will...
When I can only write 2 words
A man once told me, “To write a book is to write one’s self.” He was right. When I write I feel most vulnerable because it is as if I am being captured on paper. Writing brings me to the extremes I rarely visit. It causes me to search for pleasure in places unexpected. It forces me to think on...
Hanging By a Thread
The last 24 hours have seemed as if my entire world was falling apart. Have you had those days where you’re sure if someone else asks something of you, you just might lose you ever-loving mind? Have you been so stressed your teeth hurt? Has all food ever lost its appeal, primarily because you don’t even have time to eat,...
Teens and Texting
It seems like more and more parents are struggling with their teen’s addiction to texting. Perhaps you’ve gotten the monthly cell phone bill only to find that thousands of text messages were sent from you teen’s phone. Don’t worry; this is not as tragic as you think! First, understand that this technologically infiltrated generation is being trained to communicate in...
Gospel of John Series
Part 1: Biographical Sketch of John, The Beloved Disciple In this first sermon of the series, I took the time to give the background on the Apostle John. Because John often referred to himself as the "disciple Jesus loved" we looked more in depth at the love of Christ. The main preaching point was "God's Love Will Never Leave You...
Follow Hard After God
“You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him and keep His commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 Did you notice the action words in that verse? Fear…obey…listen…serve…hold fast. I’ve never been one to just fall in line. It is hard for me to follow and I have...
Bible Verses for the Depressed
Though it is not something I am proud of, I have to admit that the last few days have been some of the hardest days I’ve had in a long time. The number of sermons yet to be prepared and preached were overwhelming to me. I was burdened by the responsibilities of the church. The shambles my personal life...
Christians and the Government
Last night I spent the evening with a friend, and we inevitably got into a conversation about this week’s election. We started to ask questions about what God thinks of the earthy government. As we searched the scriptures for some answers, this particular passage jumped out: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority...
Process of Preparing a Sermon
1. God Lays a Message on the Heart of the Messenger Here you need to ask the Lord, through fervent prayer, “What is it that you want to communicate to your people, God?” Identify ways that God is communicating to you personally. What is it that He is stirring within your own heart? Also, identify the needs of those you...
Reading & Listening Sermon Prep
It is a daunting task for a preacher to find the right resources for a sermon. At the onset of a sermon series, I strive to find a few “Friends” to join me along the way. By this I mean that I look for commentators and authors who have invested their lives in the passage I will be studying, and...